Flying Penguins Dota 2 side humbled by Gambit in Kiev Minor semis

Despite showing plenty of promise to take down Royal Never Give Up in their opening match, Jacky “EternaLEnVy” Mao’s Flying Penguins were unable to navigate past Gambit Esports to progress to the final of the Kiev Minor.

There were question marks over Flying Penguins’ ability heading into the tournament, given their lack of experience playing together prior to the Kiev Minor qualifiers. Their 2-1 victory over Royal Never Give Up, who won the China Minor last month, raised expectations.

However, Gambit proved to be much the better team today, dealing with their opposition swiftly in the best of three. It took the Russia-based side just 31 minutes to claim the first match, and just 20 more to win the second and end the tie.

While this is the end of the road for Flying Penguins, the Dota 2 side goes home having earned themselves $30,000 in prize money.

Flying Penguins Dota 2 Kiev Minor vs Gambit Esports: Watch the replay

Kiev Minor final: Vici Gaming vs Gambit Esports

While Dota 2 fans may have been hoping to see an underdog make it through, Gambit Esports progress to the Kiev Minor finals, where they will take on Vici Gaming today.

Vici remain undefeated in the tournament so far, having successfully defeated all three of its group stage opponents and Old but Gold on the way to the final.

If the group stage was anything to go by, Vici Gaming should secure the victory here to take home the grand prize of $125,000, 500 Pro Circuit Points and qualification to DreamLeague Season 11. Vici secured a 2-1 victory when these two met two days ago in what was an incredibly tight game.

However, having fallen just short at ESL One Katowice last month, losing out to Team Secret in the final, that may just give Gambit the push that they need to defeat Vici here.